When most kids are thinking about snacks and sports, Parker Hage is thinking about inventory, vendor shows, and custom logo magnets.
The young entrepreneur is the founder of Stick with Parker, a growing magnet and pin business he launched after spotting an opportunity, and then running with it. What started as a Christmas-season experiment has quickly turned into hockey team orders, vendor show networking, and dreams of future expansion.
With his mom helping on the marketing side, Parker is learning business, responsibility, and people skills one magnet at a time, all while raising money for hockey (and the occasional concession stand treat).
Q&A
Q: Tell me about your business.
A: Well, it’s fun. We make magnets, pins, mirrors—all kinds of stuff.
Q: You make them yourself? How does that work?
A: Yeah. We print the design first. Then we use a press machine. We layer the design with Mylar and an acrylic backing, press it into the magnet, and then attach the magnetic piece to the back.
Q: Where do the designs come from?
A: Some are from Creative Fabrica, which has premade designs. But we also personalize them. People send us their pictures, and we turn them into magnets.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
A: Since December. So a few months now.
Q: How did it start?
A: My mom bought the machine because she thought she was going to make magnets. Then I kind of took it over and made it my thing
Q: What were some of your first orders?
A: Right before Christmas, we made custom photo magnets for families. MOM: He had just had oral surgery and was recovering, so he started making them while he was home. That’s really when it took off.
Q: What were some of your first orders?
A: Right before Christmas, we made custom photo magnets for families.
Q: What kinds of products do you offer now?
MOM: We have small round magnets that can also be pin backs or mirrors. We have a 2.5-inch square, and a 3.5-inch round that can be magnets, coasters, or pins. We also make flexible magnets and custom stickers. We started with one size and slowly added more equipment. The presses aren’t cheap—one was around $800, and another was closer to $2,000.
Q: Have you done any team orders?
A: Yeah. When my cousin’s hockey team was in town, we made pins and magnets with their team logo. We’ve also done orders like 501 custom pins for a children’s event. At hockey tournaments like the Fargo Faceoff, we’ll make team designs that say things like “Let’s Play Hockey,” and people can choose if they want it as a magnet, pin, or mirror.
Q: How have sales been?
A: At one hockey event, we made about $250. At vendor shows, we also make custom magnets with other vendors’ logos and give them out.
Q: What have you learned from having your own business?
A: Responsibility. And talking to people. MOM: We’ve gone to networking events like Tea Time, which is part of the Love Your Local group. Parker has even attended kids’ networking meetups there to talk about his business.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: Maybe in the military. Or a police officer. And probably own two or three businesses. Maybe take over my mom’s businesses.
Q: How long does it take to make ONE magnet?
A: About 15 seconds, if the design is already printed.
Q: Outside of business, what do you like to do?
A: Play hockey. Knee hockey at home with my brothers. Swim. Collect hockey and football cards.
This is my first year playing hockey. Sometimes I play forward, sometimes defense. I like defense because I make sure someone’s back by our goal, but my coach wants me chasing the puck more.
Q: Do you think you’ll keep growing the business?
A: Yes. MOM: Eventually, we’d like to do more on-site events, like weddings or birthday parties, where people can take photos and we make the magnets right there. Right now, we print a lot at home and bring supplies to vendor shows. We’re also working on a website. For now, people can reach us on Facebook.
Q: Anything else people should know?
A: Sometimes, when I give other vendors magnets, they trade me their products. I’ve gotten a bath bomb, a 3D printed duck, and even $10 once.
MOM: Turnaround time is usually just a couple days.
Support Stick With Parker
Facebook | /stickwithparker
